BURNLEY are reportedly closing in on a deal for Stoke centre-back Nathan Collins.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the Clarets have agreed a £12million fee for a player who they tried to sign in January.

The 20-year-old is seen as a rising star at the Bet365 Stadium having made 27 appearances for the Championship side before his season was ended early by a foot injury, his last game coming in February.

Fans are hoping Sean Dyche will be backed by new owners ALK Capital in this window and the capture of Collins would be a strong start to the summer business at Turf Moor.

Collins would initially provide competition for Ben Mee and James Tarkowski at the heart of the defence, the latter’s future continuing to be the subject of much speculation.

Tarkowski has attracted interest from Leicester and West Ham and has previously indicated he will not extend his Burnley deal beyond the end of his contract next summer.

Bringing in Collins, a Republic of Ireland youth international, would put a succession plan firmly in place in the Clarets backline.

Collins also scored two Championship goals last season and has made 47 appearances in all competitions for Stoke having made his debut in the EFL Trophy back in September 2018.